How much sun does Tough bumelia need?

Tough bumelia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tough bumelia bloom?

Tough bumelia blooms in September, October, and November.

Where is Tough bumelia native?

Tough bumelia (Sideroxylon tenax) is native to FL, GA, NC, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Tough bumelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sideroxylon tenax

Last reviewed: October 2026

Tough bumelia (Sideroxylon tenax) is a perennial shrub native to FL, GA, NC, SC. It blooms in September, October, and November. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Tough bumelia (Sideroxylon tenax) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

96"–240" H × 72"–180" W

Bloom

Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

FL, GA, NC, SC

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

A dense evergreen shrub with thick leathery leaves that have a rusty fuzzed underside. Small clusters of white flowers in fall are followed by dark berry-like fruit, and the plant tolerates dry sandy scrub.

Growing Tough bumelia

Grow Tough bumelia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 96 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 180 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Fall flowers feed bees, and the fruit is eaten by birds heading into winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Tough bumelia need?: Tough bumelia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tough bumelia bloom?: Tough bumelia blooms in September, October, and November.
Where is Tough bumelia native?: Tough bumelia (Sideroxylon tenax) is native to FL, GA, NC, SC, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Tough bumelia attract?: Tough bumelia draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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